Reading – Local Indigenous Cultures, Experiences and Perspectives

Curriculum Links

Note: These are just a selection of relevant content descriptors. A wide range of the Reading curriculum could be covered by reading/viewing the texts contained here.

Year 7 Reading

Discuss aspects of texts, including their aesthetic and social value, using relevant and appropriate metalanguage (VCELT373)

Identify and explore ideas and viewpoints about events, issues and characters represented in texts drawn from different historical, social and cultural contexts (VCELT393)

Year 8 Reading

Explore the ways that ideas and viewpoints in literary texts drawn from different historical, social and cultural contexts may reflect or challenge the values of individuals and groups (VCELT403)

Explore the interconnectedness of Country and Place, People, Identity and Culture in texts including those by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors (VCELT404)

Recognise and explain differing viewpoints about the world, cultures, individual people and concerns represented in texts (VCELT406)

Intercultural Capability (Years 7 & 8)

Examine how various cultural groups are represented, by whom they are represented, and comment on the purpose and effect of these representations(VCICCB014)

Evaluate the ways in which the community demonstrates the value it places on cultural diversity, and why this valuing of cultural diversity is important to the community (VCICCD016

Year 9 Reading and Viewing

Interpret and compare how representations of people and culture in literary texts are drawn from different historical, social and cultural contexts (VCELT435)

Explore and reflect on personal understanding of the world and significant human experience gained from interpreting various representations of life matters in texts (VCELT437)

Analyse how the construction and interpretation of texts, including media texts, can be influenced by cultural perspectives and other texts (VCELY441)

Year 10 Reading

Compare and evaluate a range of representations of individuals and groups in different historical, social and cultural contexts (VCELT460)

Intercultural Capability (Years 9 & 10)

Analyse the components of a cohesive society, and the challenges, benefits and consequences of maintaining or failing to maintain that cohesion (VCICCD020)

Key Local Knowledge Featured in this Unit

Local Dreamtime Stories (various)

There are a range of local Dreamtime Stories that could be included as general texts within English classes. Details of these are included in the Unit Plan.

The Work of Hyllus Maris

Hyllus was a local Yorta Yorta woman. She was an activist, educator, poet and screenwriter.

Women of the Sun, a TV miniseries by Maris, may be of particular interest. Details on how to access this are included within the Unit Plan.

The Work of Artists from the Goulburn Murray

Briggs and Archie Roach are two artists originally from the area, whose work may provide good material to examine within English classes.

Living Stories of the Dungala Kaiela

This is a fantastic text produced by the Elders and Artists of Gallery Kaiela. It contains a story incorporating a range of local language, and is accompanied by original artwork. The book is accompanied by a DVD, which includes an animated version of the story.

Details on how to purchase a copy are included within the Unit Plan.

Pecan Summer

Pecan Summer is the first Indigenous opera. It was written by Deborah Cheetham.

Further details on this important work are included within the Unit Plan.

Oral Histories (various)

There are a range of oral history videos which may serve as useful texts to examine within English classes. For instance, the video above of Aunty Faye talking about local history and her identity. Further clips are included within the Unit Plan.